Free meals, wellness allowances, or flexible schedules may look attractive on company brochures, but when it comes to real decisions, indian professionals are drawing a firm line: perks can’t replace pay.
A recent survey from LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence Index shows a stark reality—half of India’s workforce is unwilling to take any pay cut, regardless of the benefit on offer. The sentiment is clear: in a volatile job market, stability and financial security matter more than “soft” workplace perks.
Even traditionally strong motivators like manageable workloads or improved relationships with managers failed to sway employees. Fifty-four percent of respondents said a lighter workload wouldn’t convince them to accept a lower paycheck, while 52% felt the same about better team dynamics.
“Competitive pay is very important — but purpose is what sets you apart,” explains bhavya Misra, CHRO at Godrej Capital. Yet, the survey reveals purpose appeals only to a certain section: 36% of employees said they would consider a pay cut for an employer whose values align with theirs, while 33% leaned toward flexibility and career growth opportunities.
The findings highlight a deeper truth about India’s workforce: perks may enhance workplace culture, but they don’t substitute for fair compensation. With rising living costs and financial pressures, most professionals remain anchored to salary as the ultimate benchmark of value.
However, KRAFTON India’s Head of people Operations, Saurabh Shah, believes salary isn’t the sole deal-maker. “Pay is critical, but the long-term stickiness comes from culture, purpose, and growth,” he points out — a sentiment echoed by many HR leaders trying to balance pay competitiveness with culture-driven retention strategies.
The bigger question remains: are companies over-investing in perks that don’t move the needle, while underestimating the importance of competitive pay? For many employees in India, the answer today is yes.
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